SB252 Passes Senate 32-0
- Joe Jones
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
The Alabama Senate has passed the Community Pharmacy Relief Act
Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger hails passage
"The Alabama Senate has passed SB252, the Community Pharmacy Relief Act, a measure aimed at regulating pharmacy benefits managers to ensure independent pharmacies receive fairer reimbursements and increased transparency in drug pricing."
Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman), a leading proponent of the bill, emphasized the economic burden PBM regulations have placed on independent pharmacies across Alabama.
“Everyone understands that consistently selling a product for less than you bought it is a recipe for bankruptcy, closure, and economic failure, but small-town drugstores and independent pharmacies in every area of the state are forced to do exactly that under the current regulations,” Gudger said.
“The legislation approved by the Senate is a pro-business measure that simply levels the competition for businesses of all sizes, ranging from hometown, mom-and-pop pharmacies to the largest retail drug chains,” he continued. “Most importantly, it shields consumers from having to pay higher costs at the cash register for the medicines they need to remain healthy and survive.”
Gudger criticized opposition to the bill, arguing that concerns over cost increases are being driven by powerful corporate interests.
“The only opposition to the legislation comes from special interests making annual revenues in the billions of dollars and profits in the hundreds of millions each year,” he said. “Small independent pharmacists are among the most trusted and respected individuals in our communities, especially in the rural parts of Alabama, and it is our job to ensure they operate under fair and impartial regulations.”
"The one true God acts in a faithful manner; the Lord’s promise is reliable; He is a shield to all who take shelter in Him."
2 Samuel 22:31
Today, the Lord was a shield for pharmacy. Alabama Senate Bill 252 passed the Senate UNANIMOUSLY, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude. For over a decade, I have prayed to help bring change to this profession, and today, I am humbled to have played even a small part in this larger-than-life fight.
When Trent McLemore called me about a grassroots movement to save our profession, saying yes felt natural—Isaiah 6:8 has been my personal mantra for years. And though the battle was exhausting, nearly drowning me in over-commitment, the grace shown to independent pharmacy today has left me in awe.
I want to extend a heartfelt 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔 to those who stood in the trenches for this cause:
Craig Moore, Trent McLemore, Josh Hardin (and his wife Erin), BJ Jones, and Joe Jones—these warriors made the State House their second home.
Senators Gudger, Beasley, and Jones—for standing for what is right.
Senator Larry Stutts—my Senator, who has been unwavering in his fight for independent pharmacy. His dedication to this cause has been inspiring, and I am proud to live in his district.
𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐈𝐒𝐍'𝐓 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑. Now, we turn to the Alabama House of Representatives. The goal: get this bill passed without amendments and onto Governor Kay Ivey’s desk. We need your help!
What can you do?
Contact your Alabama House Representative and urge them to support SB 252.
Reach out to Governor Kay Ivey’s office and ask her to sign the bill when it reaches her desk.
Governor Kay Ivey’s Contact Information:
Phone: 334-242-7100
If you live in House District 7, there’s no need to contact Ernie Yarbrough. He is my cousin, a man of integrity, and has been deeply invested in this issue. Instead, focus on calling the Governor’s office.
Thank you for your prayers, your concern, and your support. 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠—that we may see this fight through to the finish and emerge victorious!
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